Supporting structure



March 30, 1948. l H. LQNG 2,438,566

SUPPORTING STRUCTURE Filed March e, y1945 s sheets-sheet 1 7 M5575 4ATTORNEY March 30, 1948. H. LONG SUPPORTING STRUCTURE s sheets-Sheet 2vFiled March 8, 1943 lukt/EN To lz.

v ATTQQNEY March 3o, 194s. H. LONG A 2,438,566

SUPPORTING STRUCTURE Filed March 8', 194:3 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 //Z 4 /5 /MI 1:1-1U Z55 //6 za ,a 70 6 INVEN TOR.

Hay/7 ong March 30, 1948. H. LONG 2,4\38,566

SUPPORTING STRUCTURE Filed March 8, 1943 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 mf Zai Q Svill/41111 111111111111 lll m VIII/11141111111111111111 ATTORNEY March3o, 194s. H, LONG 2,438,566-

SUPPORTING S TRUCTURE Filed March 8, 1943 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 IN VEN TOK.

Hay/1 any WMM ATTOKNEY March 30, 1948. H. LONG SUPPORTING STRUCTURE 6Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed March 8; 1945 I NVEN T OK Hag/2 L any Y 4MM A TTORN E Y Patented Mar. 30, 1948 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Divided andthis application March 8, 1943, Serial No. 478,399

11 Claims. 1

This invention relates to a universal tool. More particularly, theinvention relates to a supporting structure for such a tool whereby acompact light weight portable apparatus is provided, and one that mayreadily be adapted to be used for a number of purposes. For example,thetool may be used as a lathe or drill press, and a plumbers snake,root borer, or drain cleaner.

This application is a division of an application filed July 22, 1939,under the name of Hugh Long, Serial No. 285,914, for Universal tool, nowPatent No. 2,318,172, granted May 4, 1943.

It is one of the objects of this invention to improve in general thestructure and operation of devices of this character.

For adaptation of the tool to various uses, it incorporates a supportfor a rotary mechanism, as Well as a bed for a tool, a tail stock, orthe like. The rotary mechanism may support a chuck or any of a varietyof other devices. It is another object of this invention to provide asupport that may be angularly adjusted in a simple manner, throughout arange from horizontal to vertical, of the axis of the rotary member.

It is still another object of the invention to provide an inexpensiveand effective adjustment in height of the apparatus.

In connection with plumbers equipment the eiicient use of a snake isquite important. Such snakes usually are in the form of a flexibleshaft, that may be readily coiled about a support or in a cage, and thatmay carry at its advancing end an auger or drain cleaner. It is anotherobject of this invention to facilitate the operation of such snakes, andespecially by providing a support therefor that can be adjusted to themost convenient position for manipulation of the snake; and to make itpossible to exert a large turning moment on the snake while the operatoris permitted to assume a comfortable position. This object is attainedby the facility of adjustment of the supports angularly, as well as inheight.

I This invention possesses many other advantages, and has other objectswhich may be made more easily apparent from a consideration of severalembodiments of the invention. For this purpose there are shown a fewforms in the drawings accompanying and for-ming part of the presentspecification. These forms, which illustrate the general principles ofmy invention, will now be described in detail; but it is to beunderstood that this detailed description is not to be taken in alimiting sense, since the scope of the invention is best dened by theappended claims.

Referring to the drawings:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of an apparatus incorporating theinvention;

Fig. 2 is a sectional View taken along plane 2-2 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken along plane 3 3 of Fig. l;

Fig. 4 is a sectional View taken along plane l-li of Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken along plane E of Fig. 1;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary sectional view taken :along plane l--S of Fig.3;

Fig. 7 is a sectional view taken along plane l-l of Fig. 1;

Fig. 8 is a sectional view taken along plane 8 8 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 9 is a pictorial view of the apparatus shown for use as a drillpress; y

Fig. 10 is a View similar to Fig. l, but illustrating another manner ofuse ci the apparatus;

Fig. 11 is a bottom plan view of the cap utilized in connection with thestandard illustrated in Fig. 2;

Fig. l2 is a fragmentary sectional View taken along the plane lZ-HZ yofFig. 2;

Fig. 13 is a fragmentary sectional View taken along the plane lS-l ofFig. 9;

Fig, 14 is a side elevation of a modied form of the invention;

Fig. 15 is an end elevation thereof;

Fig. 16 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of a portion of theapparatus illustrated in Fig. 14;

Fig. 17 is a detailed sectional view illustrating the manner in whichcertain of the elements of the apparatus of Fig. 14 may be coupledtogether;

Fig. 18 is a sectional View taken along the plane i-i of Fig. 16;

Fig. 19 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional View of a part of theapparatus illustrated in Fig. 26 is a fragmentary view, illustrating adetachable handle mechanism adapted to be utilized with the tool when itis removed from the carriage 10;

Fig. 27 is a view similar to Fig. 14, of a snake operating mechanism,but including reduction gearing;

Fig. 28 is a sectional view taken along 28-28 0f Fig. 27 S Fig. 29 is afragmentary sectional view taken along plane 23--29 of Fig. 27; and

Fig. 30 is a fragmentary sectional view similar to Fig. 16, butillustrating a modified form of cage construction.

In general the apparatus includes a bed (Figs. 1, 3, '7, 9 and 10). Thisbed is quite similar to a lathe bed and may include a pair of sliderails 2 and 3. These rails extend in a parallel direction to form alongitudinal support for a tool carriage to be hereinafter described.They may be joined appropriately at their ends by the cross pieces 4 and5 (Figs. 1, 3, 9 and 10);

VThe rails 2 and 3 have inwardly directed iianges 6 and 'I, as well asedge flanges 8 and 9. The surfaces of the flanges 6, 8 and 9 define oneelement of a dovetail connection for supporting the various applianceson the bed in any of Va yplurality vof Vlongitudinally adjustedpositions.

Thus, a tool carriage indicated Vin general by the reference characterII! in Figs. 1 and 3, may be provided with a base II (Fig. 3) that isVin dovetail connection with the anges 5, l, 8 and 9. This carriage I maybe most conveniently made in the form of a casting, providing the spacedstandards I2 and I3 (Figs. 1, 2,. 3 and 10). These standards are joinedby a tubular-like body I4 (Figs. 2 and 4) and forming a. saddle for aremovable tool unit, which is illustrated most clearly in Fig. 2.

Thus, for example, the tops of the standards I2 and I3 may be in theform of plane surfaces I (Fig. 1) with semi-circularrecesses I5 and I'I(Fig. 2) for the accommodation of .the outer races 0f the spaced ballbearing structures I3 and I9. These ball bearing structures provide arotary support for the hollow spindle or shaft 2|! which extendsthroughthe inner races of these ball bearing structures.

Y The spindle 29 is held in the carriage Ii! by the aid of aco-operating cap casting 2| shown to best advantage in Figs. ,1, 4,Y 11and 12. This cap is also provided with plane surfaces 22 and 23 (Fig.11) Vadapted to co-operate with the plane surfaces I5. The cap 2| alsocarries correspond- V plane ing circular recesses 24 and 25.co-operating with variousdriving elements, such as gears, etc., thatYare carried by the tool unit. Y

In order to hold the cap 2| secured in Vplace and to ensure that theouter races of theball bearing structures I8 and I9 will be held firmlyin therecesses provided in the standards and in the cap, provisions aremade for clamping the cap 2| firmly over the standard. Thus, forexample, as shown most clearly in Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 11, and

12, the standard is provided at each end with the transverse projections211, 28, 29 and 35. 'Tor these projections are hinged the..U-shapedclamps 3| embracing the projections and provided with the arethreaded through the tops of the U-shaped clamps and engage the tops ofthe corresponding projections 33, 34, 35 and 36'formed integrallyY withthe cap 2|. By unscrewing the thumb screws 32 and rotating the clamps3|, the cap 2| may readily be lifted off the standards and the spindle2B with its associated parts maybe lifted off the standard.

The manner in which the spindleV 20 may be hand or power driven will nowbe described. In this connection attention is particularlydilrected toFigs. 2, 4 and 12. Therein it is seen that the hollow spindle 2li isprovided with a supporting sleeve 5T. This sleeve is appropriatelysupported in -a cradle or rest provided by the body I4 of the standardI0 and by the hollow body member 26 of the cap 2|. The body I4 has asemi-cylindrical cradle 38 accommodating the lower surface of the sleeve3-1. member 26' of the capV 2|' `is provided with a semi.- cylindricalseat or cradle 39 extending over the top surface of the sleeve 37.

ably mounted on ka stub shaftY 43 integralV with An appropriate Ihandoperated the sleeve 37. handle may be provided for the hub 4f4of`thegear 42. This hub, as shown most clearly 'in Fig. 2, extends through aclearanceaperture-45 in the body |44. When power means are -u'sed todrive the spindle 25, however, Vthe hub 44 may be appropriately coveredby a cover cap 45 tele scoping over the hub 44 and fastened as by `ascrew 41 to the end of the stub'shaft 43.`

For power drive, useis madeof a worm'wheel 48 fastened to the hub 49 ofthebevelfgear y4| (Figs. 2l and 4) The Worm wheel 49 is shownl as`dri-ven bya worm 50 carried by a verticall Vworm shaft 5|.V Thelowerend 52 of vthis shaft-5I is shown as mounted in an appropriaterecess 53'in the body I4 (Fig. 4). The shaft 5|:y is further rotatablysupportedin a journal bearing 54 formed integrally with the. cap 2|. The upperend of the shaft Y5| carries a spurgear 55 V(Figsfll and '5).

This spur gear may be joined' tothe shaft-5| as by making the top 55 ofthe shaft non-circular;

for example, square. In this way the'gear '55 mayY be readily liftedoffy the top of the shaft- 5|" and the worm r5|'I rotated while wheel48V is held stationary. The threads on worm ,59 will Vthen cause theworm 5i!v to move upwardly until itis out of contact with wheel 48',when. the taken off the standard.-

The cap 2|, as shown most clearlyin Figs. 4 and 12, is open at the topandis intended to be covered by a @over member 51. This cover membe'rmaybe fastened to the cap 2| as Yby the aid of. aV plurality of screws orlbolts 55. The shaft 51| ypassesy through the cover member 5l. thermoreis provided with a vertical wallwv'enicompassing the gear 55. v

The gear as shown is adapted to be ldri-Venby Y a pinion Sil (Fig. 5)attached to the* end ofv ashaft Blfdriven by an electric motor 62 (Fig.VK1) This electric motor isA appropriately supported directly on the.cover member v5I, as bythe aid of aV plurality of upright tubular spacerposts 63, Through these posts pass screws 64 attaching the posts A63VSimilarly the Ihe sleeve Sli-s Y provided with'a rearwardly extendingprojection Y Engaging ycapY 2| may. be

Thiscover member fur- .Y

base I tothe cover member 51. The Wall 59 extends as well around thepinion 60, as shown most clearly in Fig.v 5. A supplemental cover 65 isprovided to cover the top of the Wall 59 and to enclose the gearing. VIfdesired, an intermediate flange 66 (Fig.V 1) may be provided betweensections of the spacers 63 upon which the end bracket 61 of the motor 62rests. -The motor 62 is shown in Fig. 1 as provided with a controlswitch 68; The shaft 6| may be extended upwardly to carry the handle 69.

lShould it be desired to convert from .power drive to a'manual drive,the supplemental cover 65 is rst removed. Then the gear 55 is lifted offthe shaft 5|. The worm 59 is rotated as before, so that it moves out ofengagement with the wheel 38, and then the cover member 51 is removedfrom the cap 2|.- In place of the cover member 51 a fiat sheet metalcover (Fig. 9) maybe substituted. A manually operated ratchet handle 1|may be attached to the hub M of the bevel gear 42. The shaft or spindle20 is shown in Fig. 2 as carrying `at its right hand end a chuck 12 ofany appropriate construction, as byv being keyed to the spindle 20.Various tools or devices, or the work itself may be clamped by the aidof the chuck 1.2. The left hand end of the spindle 29 vmay carry anyappropriate power driven device;

for example, it may carry a coupling member 13 -telescoping over thespindle 20 and keyed thereto. A thumb screw 14- may be utilized to keepthe coupling member'13 in place. This coupling member may carry adriving pinion accommodated in the left hand end of the coupling member13. In the assembly of the device, as illustrated in Fig. 1, this pinion15 is shown as meshing with a gear 'E1 mounted on a shaft 18 of agrinder mechanism 19. This grinder mechanism includes a standard 89 andthe driven'grinder wheel 6 I, journaled therein. The standard 80 isprovided with a plate 82 dovetailed in the rails 2 and 3 forlongitudinal adjustment. It may be held in place on the bed I of theapparatus in a manner that will -be described hereinafter.

The chuck 12 may carry work such'as 83 (Fig. '10) adapted to be operatedupon by cutting tool 88. This cutting tool is appropriately supported ina conventional tool carriage having a plate 85 also accommodated by therails 2 and 3 of the -bed I.

In order to provide a tail stock for the rotating 'work 83, use ismadeof a bracket 86. This bracket 88 is also provided with a plate 81accommodated in the rails 2 and 3. This plate 81 is'shown to bestadvantage in Fig. 8. In this figure also a clamping mechanism isillustrated which is adaptable for use in connection with the base I Iof the tool carriage I0 and the plate 82 of the grinder mechanism 19.Thus, for example, a

clamping bolt 88 may pass through the plate 81 and may engage a clampingstrap 89. 'Ihis clamping strap has clamping surfaces 90 adapted tocooperate with the lower surfaces of the flanges 6 and 1. By looseningthe bolt 88, the tail stock bracket 86 maybe adjusted or entirelyremoved.

Similarly, the carriage I0 and the grinder mech- `3, and 9). This handwheel has an axis transverse to the spindle 20. It is provided with ashaft 92 (Fig. 3) journaled in a bracket 93fastened to the At its freeend the shaft 92 carries a driving bevel pinion 94 meshing with a drivenbevel pinion 95. This pinion 95 is shown as carried by a Vertical shaft96 journaledfin the base I I and extending therethrough. At its lowerextremity the shaft 96 carries the pinion-91 meshing with a rack 88 thatis supported on theinner surface of the rail 3. The gears 94 and 95 may,if desired, be protected by a sheet metal cover member 99 fastened tothe bracket 93.

It may at times be desirable to prevent movement of the carriage I0after it has been moved l to an adjusting position by the rotationofhand Within a hollow screw |02. This screw is threaded into theextension |03 of the bracket 93, and it may be provided with a manuallyoperable knob |04. A compression spring |05 abuts .the inner end of thescrew |02, as well as a collar |06 carried near the end of the pawl IDI.yIn this way the spring |05 constantly urges the pawl |0| intoengagement with the Wheel |00. In order to withdraw the pawl |0| whendesired and to keep it in withdrawn position, the transverse pin |01 isprovided for the spindle of knob |04. This pin is shown in Fig. 6 asaccommodated in a transverse slot |08 in the head of the screw |02.However, by pulling outwardly on the knob |04, the pin |01 may bereleased from the slot |08. By turning the knob |04 in one or the otherdirection, the pin |01 will be placed above the unslotted portion of thehead of the screw |02 and the pin will therefore restrain movement ofthe pawl |0| inward. The pawl is lthus rendered ineffective.

Furthermore, if desired, the engaging end of the pawl |0| may be slopingso as to prevent rotation of the shaft 92 in but one direction. Byturning the knob |04 through a half revolution, the restraint may bechosen to operatel optionally for either of two directions of motionofthe carriage I0.

In Fig. 10 the power drive is coupled to the spindle 20 by the aid of abelt transmission. For this purpose, the motor 62 has been removed fromthe carriage I0, and the sheet metal cover I0 is substituted for thecover plate 51. The spindle 20 is shown as provided with a multiplevgroove pulley |09, the pulley element having graduated diameters. Thispulley structure |09 is engaged by a driving belt ||0 which is indriving engagement with a multiple groove pulley structure fastened tothe shaft 6I of the motor 62. For this purpose the handle 69 of theshaft 6| (shown in Fig. 1) has been removed.

The manner in which the motor 62 is supported on a Wall I2 is alsoindicated in Fig. 10. Therein it is seen that a bracket ||3 is providedon the wall I I2. Straddling this bracket is an inverted U-shaped motorsupporting member I4 to which the motorframe is attached. This support||4 is pivoted by the aid of the pivot I I5 to the edges of the bracket||3 and is preferably permitted freely to swing thereon. An adjustingscrew ||6 passes upwardly through the bracket ||3 to engage the lowersurface of the support I4 at a place remote from the axis of the pivotpins I I5. In this way the tension of the belt ||0 may be adjusted.

As thus far described, the bed of the apparatus is shown as inhorizontal position. .However, by the yaid of the element now to bedescribed, the position of the bed I may be `adjusted between. wide.limits Aboth angularly and longimdmally. .For purpose' useqi's madexof':ad-

.instable support. iilns'tnated. .most ffzlearlvl in: Y

Thus, a hase |11` yis shown. whichfmay be .perrmanently "attached to' a.firm fotmdation; or, if desired. base .may .form the: topof. a dolly forfacilitating transport of the tool `to desired location. Thus,the-dolly' may he: provided with a' painoi rollers |1|8 atsxrear edgeand Va stmt .l 9 at itsrorit edge.. 'Eheba-se |.|I 'isshovm asv carryinga. pair of Vseni-i-circular -thin diskV elements |120: |11.. .Thecentersof these 'disk .elements 20. .and '|\2.|I .are co-axial .and arefastened. to vt'lsiev topi-of the base |12 bvthe'a'ict ofthe flanges:|22., |23,through.wh"ch the fastening screws .112k pass. A. .pivot bolt|25 attends through the common axis of members |a2l|| and |:2|.Pivotedon this beit |25 vis` an arm or :structure |26; Thislinkstructuret2 E, .asv shown :most clearly in Fig. This pro-videdv with the vcrossribs such as` |28 |5292. At its free end the: link; or arm |26 issimilarly vpivotally joined .as byy a .pivot bolt. L30: at the common..center of a pail' :of semi.-circular'` thin disk members. titl and |32.They arm or link |26 is'. .accommodated between these. disk elementsAllfiefdisks4 .|5311 132 .are tastened in co-axial relation to. the :hedas: by the aid of the. screws In order to `.prevent Ainadveren-tWithdrawal of the. pivot bolts |:25 and |30, they mary be providedr withVcrow-n nuts |33 and cotter.` pins |34.

It. isapparent that,Y if :no restraint. .be `placed upon. relativeangular motion between the |26 -and Ythe centers of ther disks |20.|2|and k3b-|132, then .the .bed .canbe freely moved about the axis of thebolt |13|i and the link |26 can be freely moved about the axis of pivotvholt |125 lso as: to bring the bed in. any desired. position witl-n the.limits ofy adjustment. Itis: noted that the disk members |23|1 and L32are. disposed |26 against angular movement around .the `axis Yof bolt|25. use is made foi' a clamping bolt. :|36

that passes through-the link 1'2", on. an -aXisznear theedges of thedisks; The vhead |23? of 'thi-spoil', engages within appropriate. recessin a Vclamping member |1382. This clamping member .overli'es 'the-edgeof the disk member |21.. A simi-lar clamp |39 overlies theedge of thedisk 12|). A tightening nut MY@ is threaded on the. end of .the bolt |36and- .is provided with a handle. |.4 |1 for convenient manipulation.vThe upper edges. of the clamp- |3 `and |239 are provided with ingVsurfaces |11|f-2 and #$3 engaging opposite .sides of the link |125.Shoulders. |44 may be provided onthe link |Ml to cio-operate with: theupper edges of' the clamps |13|lI and |39 for preventing rotation ofthesel lamps relative to the: clamp ing bolt |36; f

Since the clamps [3B- tw mayv he secureh7 pressed againstt'he. diskmembers I and :112|

.adjacent their .outer periphery, asniciently tight clamping effect issecured to prevent` motion: ot the link 'ahomtthe axis of :thefbolt i25-when desired.

A clamping". arrangement. is provided to restrain angular movementof the`bed with respect to the other'rendoi :link fla; therefscaiolamping belt45' '1132 which .names through the .link 12.6.. "herhead MW of. `@boltis accommodated. .in a. recess in tu; This .clamp is :of: Tccmstruotionasclunp |38 and overlaps the lower edge oi thedisk ttt. Ori theeother/sides of the flink. 121Mo: clamp :tu overlies the edge of the diskmember 132'.. :A clamping mit |149, lgitov-ided .a handle: A{@50, isvused to tightenjthe clamps. f|a4 1: fand. 418: the diskfmemberss wirand 132i.

.Altholughin the bedflf is :shovwmmhmflzon-tal position,.-.and fin Fig..9i :it iis :shown .in a vert-ical ',positiorr,l it-.is' apparentthatwhyapprox'- priate. manipulation of: theclamping the bed. may be lelal-npedin :any intermecate angular position as desired.; and,y furthermore theheightl of bed `-befadiusted' tomsome extent by adjustingthe singularityof the link trated `as stated heretofore: as a vertical hand drivenvdrill press. The .spindle 2li 'is 'shown' as .supporting aconventionalpd'ri-ll 'shriekv 415| in which the shan-k :of .a twistdrill, |52' may he clamped. By' rotation ofthe hand *eL-heet .94., thedrill i512. can. be advaneed :or retracted-rrom the work supported.- byythe. aidef Ltheleraeliet 86. This bracket -BfrV servesloptionalzly to.sup-

port the tail stock i-fl-lustratedin Eig. l. or a wom-liV clamp |553-illustrated Fig. 9v. Asshowmmost clearly in Fig. the-.bracket Alaooommod-ates the tail stock structure |.5ll-V as by the .aid-of anaperture |55. coi-axial with the axis-of rota-k tion of the :spindle2.0. The tai-l stock structure I 5tv has a cylindrisal. support. |56teleseoping into the aperture |55. The. flange '|51 surrolmdsthecylindrical. support |56.. .By theaid of this .flange the tail stockstructure itilmay Abe supported on the bracket. Y

IIhe bracket 8.6 is.y also provided a. plurality of transverse slots,such. `as shown. at: L53 in Fig.v 9. By the. aid oi these slots,'clamping .bolts may be passed through the; .bracket Mr ta.- hold thework holderV or vise. |53 in place.

When the spindlesz. istobe rotated. by-'manzual power, asetor example,when the apparatus Y In. order to. yprevent axial separation oballraees, may bemade of :ai relatively loose sheet metal .ring |62, theedges oi which may be turned inwardly so as tov co-operate with theedgesV of the sleeve |59` 4and the .capi .1.64-

'Ehe'mamial'ly operated. spindle 2.0;, the handle. structure j'ustdescribed, may its as `socia-ted parte be removed the vcalma@ M,

and may bel used as an. ordinary 4brace bit.. In .or-dei' to makeit`possible convenientlyto .hold the. brace bit, use may zbeimade of; iastructure such as illustrated. in. Fig.Y 26. .Th hand-lestructure:includes they. usual handle L63.

Through theahahdlefpasses a .bolt It adapted to Y be. tapped .into'.tlfre.- kstub .shaft 38' that; trated Fig- 2.. Y 1 n K yThe'braoebitfvstructwe llfrstr` Y. ated in'k Fiss, 9

In. the: position of Eig. 9j, theappa-ratusis .illusand 13 is soarranged that it may be removed from carriage 6 and utilized betweenparallel surfaces, as, for example, for drilling through spaced beams orstudding. In order to provide a rest for thebrace against one of thesurfaces, use may be made of a jack screw 253 threaded into the nut 254disposed in the handle member |65.' By turning the jack screw 253 in andout of the handle, its head 255 may be made to engage the adjacentsurface.

The manner of operation of the apparatus just described is apparent fromthe foregoing. The device may be used as a wood or metal lathe. It mayalso be used as a drill press, either hand or power driven. If desired,various appliances exemplied by the grinding wheel structure 19 may besupported on appropriate brackets dovetailing with the rails 2 and 3 ofthe bed and may be arranged to be driven through appropriate connectionsfrom the spindle 26.

The adjustable support for the bed makes it possible to utilize a toolfor a large variety of purposes. For example, as illustrated in Figs. 14to 18, this type of standard may be eectively used in connection withthe operation of a plumbers snake. Instead of the conventional lathebed, a single bar support |65 may be provided which carries the clampingsemi-circular disks |66 and |61. This base |68 carries corre- `spendingsemi-circular clamping disks |69 and |16. As before, a link |1| ispivotally mounted at its opposite end in the axes of the disk structuresE56-|61 and IBS-|16, whereby the angle and height of the support |65 maybe adjusted. The clamping mechanism to hold the apparatus in adjustmentis quite similar to that already described. It is shown to bestadvantage in Figs. 14, 15, 21, 22 and 23. Thus the link |11 may beprovided at its opposite ends with the clevises |12 and |13, which enterbetween the spaced clamping disks |65|61 and ISS-|161. The pivot bolts|14 and |15 pass through these clevises. The clevises also carry theclamping bolts |16 and |11. These clampingbolts also pass through theclamps |18 overlapping the edges of the corresponding disk ymember andtightened against them by manipulation of the handle nuts |19-|66. Anyappropriate device may be utilized for preventing rotation of the clamps|16 about the axis iof the corresponding clamping bolt, such, forexample, as dowel pins. The head of the bolts |16 and |11 may beaccommodated in a groove formed in the corresponding clamping member |19to prevent the clampingbolt |16 from turning. As shown most clearly inFig. 22, each of the clamps |16 may be provided with a knife edge IBI,`co-operating with a groove in the corresponding clevis |12 or |13.

' The operation of the adjustable standard is substantially identicalwith that illustrated in Fig. 1. However, provisions are made wherebythe length of the link structure joining the base |66 to the support |65may be adjusted. As shown in Fig. 14, the clevises 12 and |13 may beslidably accorndated on the intermediate pipe member i1 i. The thumbscrews E 62 may be used to clamp the clevises in any anguiarly ad-.'usted position on the intermediate member |11.

Ii a greater height is desired, provision may be made to form atelescoping joint that may be adjusted for height. is illustrated inFigs. 21, 24, and 25. In this form the clevis |13 is shown asaccommodating a post |93 joined to the hollow tubular member |94 of Suchan arrangement` any desired length. Telescoping within the tube |84 is arod |85 joined to the upper clevis |12.

In order to hold the two telescoping members |84 and |85 in any adjustedposition, the upper end of the tubular member |64 is arranged to becompressed around the rod |65. For this purpose the upper end of thetubular member |64 is shown as slotted as at |66 (Fig. 25). A collar |61may be joined at one point to the top of the member |84. At adiametrically opposite point a clamping screw |68 may be provided fortightening the member |84 around the rod |95.

The support |65 is shown in Figs. 14 and 15 as providing a rotatablesupport for a snake spindle |89. This spindle is shown as being madeup'l of a hollow front portion |9| into which the snake |96 may projectto pass outwardly in the front of the apparatus, as illustrated in Fig.14; For this purpose the hollow portion |9| is shown as provided with aslot |92. Adjacent the slot opening a tapered plug |99 may be insertedin the hollow member 9| to guide the snake |96 into the slfot.

The manner in which the snake |96 may be clamped in the snake spindle|69 will be described hereinafter.

'Ihe supporting bearings for the spindle structure |89 include theupright posts |94 and |95 projecting from support |65. 'Ihese posts areshown as threaded into the half-round seats |96 and |91. Disposed in thehalf-round seat |91, attached to post |95, there is a journal sleeve|98. This sleeve |96 is clamped iirmly in its seat by the aid of a cap|99 pivoted at one side to the seat member |91. A clamping thumb screw266 serves to hold the cap |99 firmly in place. The spindle |69 isjournaled within the sleeve |96.

Similarly, the seat |96 .at the left hand end of the apparatus firmlyholds a bearing sleeve 26|. In order to restrict axial movement of thespindle |89 with respect to the bearings, the hollow portion |9| maycarry the spaced collars 262 and 263 adjacent the opposite ends of thebearing sleeve 26|.

The snake |96 is arranged, as is well understood, to carry appropriatetools at its free ends, such as augers or drain cleaners or reamers, orthe like. It is necessary that the unused portion be properly maintainedin a reservoir space, as for example a snake cage. Such a cage 264A isillustrated in the present instance as mounted co-axially with thespindle |89. It may be in the form of a sheet metal member having aconical portion 265 and a rear wall 266. This rear wall 266 is so formedas to provide an interior annular-space defined by the conical walls 261and 266. A re-entrant sleeve-like portion 269 forms the inner wall ofthe annular space. As

lindicated most clearly in Fig. 16, the snake |96 is shown as joining aplurality of convoluted turns 2| 6 within the cage 264.

Themanner in which the cage 264 is supported by the aid of there-entrant sleeve 269 upon the spindle |39 will be hereinafterdescribed. The spindle |99 is shown as capable of manual rota tion, asby the aid of a handle structure 2|| attached to the right hand end ofthe spindle |89, as by the aid of a screw 2|2. During the rotation ofspindle |69, the snake |96 is also rotated, since the snake may beclamped by the aid of a chucking device. During this rotation, provisionshould be made to permit the cage 264 to rotate also. For this purposethe re-entrant sleeve 269 carries a tapered elongated tubular bearingsupporting member 2|3. This member 2| 3 surcaca-sec ound'shthe spindle|39! Vand carriesthe outer spindleY |89. The snake is. passed into the'cage 201| A through any one of a number of apertures 2|-64provided in afla-nge'Z |1'|. This lian-ge 2.|"| hasl aliypj2 |18 extending beneaththe open .edge of the cagleZfll. The Ahan-ge 2H is provided withahub2179-, 'by `the aid of which it may befastened' to. the spindle |89.'

`The manipulation of vthe snake ISllunder vareV ious conditions may'involve an advancement or retraction of the snake It! through thehollow member IQl. Under such circumstances the snakeshould be free tocoil and uncoil withinthe cage-2- Q74. VrThe-provision of` the bearingstructures 2li-'4 and `25|Eiperinits the cage 2434i to rotate kto theproper'extent toaccomplish this coiling orV uncoilingof the snake l'. Ifdesired, however, the free rotation" of the cage Y2da about Athe spindleaxis may be restrained as `by abraking arrangement. Such a brakingarrangement is-illustrated 'most `clearly `in Figs. 16,Y 19, and 20'. Itmay in-v clude a flexible brakeA disk '2285 adapted Vto be urged againstthe right hand surface-of: the hearing vsupport member 213'.' The disk220 leri-compasses the spindle. 89 and issuppor-tedby theaidofthe-bearing sleeve |93; For example, this bear ingsleeve may supportathreaded collar"22 havingafiiange-ZZZ. A. rivet or` other fasteningdevice 223Y passesthrough the flange 222 .and `the disk 220'.Diametrically opposite the place where the disk-221)` vis joined to the`flange v222.', kmeans are provided `for flexing the disk 220 againstthe member 2 |31. For-example, a thumb screw224 may be providedv forthis pur-posa This thumb screwis threaded through the flange 222. Itmaybe adjusted to provide the desired pressure against the braked'isk220.

In .son-1e instances 'it may be desirable to clamp the snake milVwithin-the spindle |89.V A suitable clamping chuck structure is providedfor this `purpose at the left hand end of the spindle, as indicated-bythe numeral '236V (Fig. 14). o Y

The chuck structure 236lmay be coupled to Vthe hollow-'prtion |91? ofthe spindle I Bg'by the aid of a pipeunion 225 (Fig. 17) This pipe-unionmay be provided Ywith a pair of thumb screws 226. These. thumb screwsengagerespectively the pipe thread'sZZlI on the end of the extension19|- and thev pipe threads-'228 formed on the body '229 of chuck '2.36.'The snake |911 passes through the body 229 andis. appropriatelyrclamped tothe body.

The Aoperation of the snake mechanism illustratedi inFig: 14,-especially when it is mounted upon theY extension standillustrated inAFig., 21, maybe now'set -forth. When it is desired. for example, toclean out a drain, theheighti of the standard maybe adjusted for maximumconvenience, the Vspindle being appropriatelydirected toward. thedrain;Y A por-tion of the snake isthen msertedfin the drain, andY agenerally axialmotion-imparted to .the snake by swinging the entiremechanism about bolts IVM and |15, the clamp'handl'es |19 and |80bei-ngV loose so as to permit such moVemen-t readily. At the same timethensnake may be rotated by operation o f handle `\2|`|'," it beingassumed that the chuck structure is Ioutof gripping relation with theYsnake. Alternatively, the chuck structure 'can bexoperatedv to clamp thesnake tot while the1toand` fromotion ofY thesnake mechanism is effected.

The support |651 with theA adjustable standard Y may-be utilized asvlllu'stratedxinFig. 21: for siipe porting. a bit'brace. The angularposition of the manually operated bit`brace may-.be adjusted as.heretofore .described inconnection `with the. form: of'the inventionillustrated in Fig. "1'. vThis bit brace may be the same as thatutilized in the tool carriage il). The cover 46 -for'the hub. 44 `ofgearv 42 (Fig-.`2) is; however, removed, andan operating handle andratchet mechanism 1l|f is substituted for rotating the bevel gear 42;'Furthermore, the hollow spindle 20 may be provided with extensions forco-operating-with the seats |196 and |91; Thus the lower end of the.spindle 20 mayicarry the coupling 241'for the spindle-extension 2&3.lThe lower end ofAthis spindleex-y tension may be provided `with asupplemental coupling 249 adapted .to carry a tool, or the like.Similarly, at the upper end? of the spindle-20, a couplingY member 250is utilized' for the :spindle extension 251. VA'hand grip `252 maybee-coupled to the upper end of the extension. Thishandle `may be cithe's'ame general charactery as trated-in Fig. 13.

At times Van increased turning moment is' needed.' to be applied to Vthesnakerl'. Under such circumstances a supplemental reduction gearing maybe eiectively employed in: connacition withrthe snake mechanism.. As.illustrated most clearly in. Figs. 27 and 28, for-this, purpose use maybe made of the'brace bit gearingand the hollow spindle 2|). Thus thehandle .stmoture 2;I i (Fig. 14) is. rerrmved from the endofthe spindle|89.; This' threaded end offthe- :spindle may then `be coupled', as byv.coupling member- 2.55' (Fig 29) to the hollow spindle 20V of, .bracebit, including the ratchet. handle '|.|.A

in order to provide ali-rm.y support for thefbrace bit structure, a pipe251` is threaded into the horizontal portion 'of the support |-65-toserve-.as

an extension thereof. Projecting from: this member 251 i-s a bracerod.25:8i fastened asby the.

aid of the'screw 255|` into the .stub shaft-.39| fof` the 1 brace bit. YY

y The reduction gearing aorded by thebevel gear .42. and. theco-operating bevel gears l|11 .and @I of. the brace bit makes. itpossibletoiexent 1a. muon greater turning `moment upon theY snake wil..

Another'for-m of snake cage and support-.is y

illustrated inV Fig. 3.0. The snake. 9.0- inthis form passes through ahollow spindle 2.611Y corre.-` spending. to the spindle |88 of theiormfshown in Fig. 14. The cage 26| isshown. as rotatably sup.- porteduponrthe spindle 2.6.0. by the vaid of. .the ball bearing. structures.252. and. 263, respectively,n at thejleft and vright hand portion of.the. cage structure. The inner races of theseballr bearing structuresare shown as...accomnricdated4 on. re,- duced portionsoi the spindle2611, .andas .abutting against shoulders formed thereon..v The. outerraces are accommodated inqthe anges 26.4 andv 265 carried by the cage25|. The snake 19d passes through an elongated slot .266 of the. spindleZet.. This slot 2B6islocated' in such amanner that the snake I9() passesthroughthe s1ct266 directly into the inside of the cage 26|.. A plug251| with a sloping face 2,68 may belocatedwithin the. spindle 260adjacent the right hand end. 0I

theV slot 2% for guiding the snake |90v in fa properV 1. In a device ofthe character described, a tool support, a pair of concentric, axiallyspaced arcuate members fastened to the support, another pair ofconcentric, axially spaced arcuate members, an arm extending frombetween one pair of members to between the other pair of members andpivotally joined to them respectively at their axes, for permittingangular adjustment of the arm with respect to the pairs of members abouttheir axes, said second pair of members thereby serving as a mountingfor the arm, and clamping means carried by the arm and adapted to engagesaid members.

2. In a device of the character described, a tool support having a,longitudinally extending member, an arm pivotally joined at one end tothe support and approximately centrally with re spect to the ends of themember, and means forming a pivotal mounting for the other end of thearm, said arm comprising a pair of telescoping members and means forclamping the members in adjusted telescopic position.

3. In a device of the character described, a base, a link supportpivotally supported by said base, means for restraining said linksupport against angular motion about its pivot, a tool support pivotallymounted on top of the link support, about an axis parallel to the axisof the link support pivot on the base, and means for restraining saidtool support against angular motion about its pivot, each of saidrestraining means comprising, means for creating friction between saidbase and said link support and a member for optionally operating saidmeans, carried by said support and spaced radially from the pivot.

4. In a device of the character described, a pair of parallel spacedmembers, a link support angularly movable between the members, means forurging said member against the sides of the 4 link support foroptionally restraining said link support from angular movement, asupporting structure having a second pair of parallel spaced members andpivoted between said second pair of an axis parallel to the axis of theangularly movable link support, and means for urging said second pair ofmembers against the sides of the link support for optionally restrainingangular movement of said supporting members.

5. In a universal tool, an arm, means to which said arm is pivotallyattached, a member secured to said means and having an arcuate edgecurved about the pivot, and clamp means acting adjacent said edge forurging said member and said arm together to prevent relative motionbetween the first mentioned means and the arm.

6. In a universal tool, including a base, a tool support, and an armpivotally secured at its opposite ends to said base and tool supportrespectively, arcuate plates respectively secured to said base and saidtool lsupport co-axially with the pivots of the arm, and clamp means foroptionally urging the edge portion of each plate into contact with thearm to maintain the arm in adjusted position with respect to the baseand/or the tool support.

7. In an adjustable supporting structure, a support, a pair ofconcentric, axially spaced arcuate members fastened to the support, anarm extending from between said pair of members and pivotally joined tothem at their axis, for permitting angular adjustment of the arm withrespect to said pair of members, and clamping means carried by the armand adapted to engage said members adjacent their peripheries for urgingsaid members toward each other and into contact with the arm.

8. In a device of the character described, a tool support, a pair ofconcentric, axially spaced arcuate members fastened to the support,another pair of concentric, axially spaced arcuate members, an armextending from between one pair of members to between the other pair ofmembers and pivotally joined to them respectively at their axes, forpermitting angular adjustment of the arm with respect to the pairs ofmembers about their axes, said second pair of members thereby serving asa mounting for the arm, and clamping means carried by the arm andadapted to engage said members on their sides adjacent theirperipheries.

9. In a universal tool, means forming a base, a member mounted on saidbase and having an arcuate edge, an arm supported on the base formovement about the axis of said arcuate edge, and clamp means carried bysaid arm adapted to engage said member adjacent its edge and to urge theedge portion of said member and said arm together with sumcient force toprevent relative movement between the member and the arm.

l0. In a universal tool, means forming a base, a member mounted on saidbase and having an arcuate edge, an arm supported on the base formovement about the axis of said edge, clamp means carried by said armadapted to co-operate with the edge portion of said member to preventmovement of the arm about said axis, a tool support pivotally carried bythe arm, and additional clamp means to restrict pivotal movement of thetool support on said arm.

ll. In an adjustable supporting structure, an arm member and asupporting member, means pivotally securing said members together, oneof said members having a plate with an arcuate edge curved about saidpivotal means, and clamp means carried by the other member for urgingsaid members together to prevent relative moven ment therebetween, saidclamp means comprising a clamp member swingably carried by said othermember and having a portion adapted to engage the surface of said plateagainst the arcuate edge, whereby to confine the plate against saidother member, and means for urging said clamp toward said other member.

HUGH LONG.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the le ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 185,682 Johnson Dec. 26, 1876221,862 Putnam Nov. 18, 1879 1,338,555 Cook et al Apr. 27, 19201,540,720 Buckbee June 2, 1925 1,684,825 Lister et al. Sept. 11, 19282,138,600 Harmon Nov. 29, 1938 2,269,160 Morrill Jan. 6, 1942 2,281,769Hochriem May 5, 1942 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 848,742 FranceNov. 6, 1939

